How much of Greenland has been explored?
Greenland, the world’s largest island, covers an area of 2.166 million square kilometers and is located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Despite its vast size, the level of exploration in this region has been relatively limited compared to other parts of the world. In this article, we will delve into the extent of exploration in Greenland and the challenges faced by researchers and explorers in this remote and unforgiving environment.
The first recorded exploration of Greenland took place in the 10th century when Norsemen, led by Erik the Red, landed on the island. Since then, various expeditions have been carried out, but the vast majority of the island remains unexplored. According to estimates, only about 15% of Greenland has been mapped and explored.
The majority of the explored areas are concentrated in the southern part of the island, where the climate is relatively milder and the terrain is more accessible. The Norse settlements in the south, which were established between the 10th and 15th centuries, have been thoroughly studied by archaeologists. However, the rest of the island remains a mystery, with vast stretches of uncharted territory.
One of the main challenges in exploring Greenland is the extreme weather conditions. The island experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures dropping below -30 degrees Celsius, and intense winds that can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. These conditions make it difficult for researchers to conduct fieldwork and limit the duration of their expeditions.
Another obstacle is the rugged terrain. Much of Greenland’s interior is covered by a thick ice sheet, which makes it challenging to navigate. The ice sheet also poses a risk to researchers, as it can suddenly shift and cause avalanches. Additionally, the vast distances between the southern coast and the interior of the island make transportation and logistics a significant challenge.
Despite these challenges, numerous expeditions have been carried out in recent years, and there has been significant progress in understanding the island’s geography, climate, and biodiversity. Satellite imagery and drones have played a crucial role in mapping the unexplored areas, allowing researchers to identify potential routes for future expeditions.
One of the most notable recent expeditions was the Arctic Circle Expedition, which took place in 2019. The team of researchers traveled by snowmobile and on foot, covering over 3,000 kilometers across the interior of the island. Their findings have provided valuable insights into the geology, flora, and fauna of the region, as well as the impact of climate change on the ice sheet.
In conclusion, while only a small portion of Greenland has been explored, significant progress has been made in recent years. The challenges of extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and vast distances remain, but with advancements in technology and determination, the remaining uncharted areas of this magnificent island are likely to be uncovered in the years to come.
